AFRICA
Oyo State: Seyi Makinde Emerges Victorious in 17 Oyo LGs Declared by INEC
The political atmosphere in Oyo State, Nigeria, is currently charged as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to release results from the governorship election that took place on March 18, 2023. The election was contested by various candidates from different political parties, but the two major contenders are Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement of the governorship result is currently ongoing at Mutiu Agboke Collation Center, Oyo INEC headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan. The latest results from the center indicate that Seyi Makinde is currently leading in the governorship election results so far declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after clearing 17 out of the 33 local governments. On the other hand, Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won just one local government.
Seyi Makinde, who is the incumbent governor of the state, is seeking re-election. His party, the PDP, has garnered significant support in most of the local governments announced so far, with a wide margin of victory over his closest rival, Teslim Folarin of the APC. This result, if maintained until the end of the election, will enable Makinde to retain his seat as the governor of Oyo State for another term.
The results so far declared by INEC are as follows:
1) Ona-Ara Local Government
Accord: 1,212
APC: 5,510
PDP: 17,326
2) Ibadan Northwest Local Government
Accord: 1,291
APC: 5,947
PDP: 19007
3) Ibarapa East Local Government
Accord: 1,885
APC: 7094
PDP: 11,125
4) Afijio Local Government
Accord: 1,357
APC: 5,588
PDP: 13,139
5) Atiba Local Government
Accord: 1,113
APC: 7,484
PDP: 18,389
6) Orire Local Government
Accord: 1,895
APC: 9,216
PDP: 13,767
7) Ibadan Southwest Local Government
A: 2,270
APC: 9,491
PDP: 31,273
8) Oluyole Local Government
Accord: 1,386
APC: 6,592
PDP: 21,700
9) Atisbo Local Government
Accord: 1,188
APC: 6,955
PDP: 9,199
10) Saki East Local Government
Accord: 188
APC: 5,519
PDP: 8,374
11) Surulere Local Government
Accord: 271
APC: 8,882
PDP: 15,554
12) Itewiwaju Local Government
Accord: 2036
APC: 4,597
PDP: 8034
13) Ogo Oluwa Local Government
Accord: 50
APC: 5,570
PDP: 10,930
14) Irepo Local Government
Accord: 388
APC: 9,785
PDP: 7,193
15) Olorunsogo Local Government
Accord: 998
APC: 4,851
PDP: 5,838
16) Ibadan Northeast Local Government
Accord: 1,564
APC: 8,486
PDP: 29,396
17) Ogbomosho South Local Government
Accord: 10
APC:8,257
PDP: 17,693
18) Ibadan South East
Accord: 1,846
APC: 9,147
PDP: 23,585
Meanwhile, INEC is currently observing an hour break.
AFRICA
Top Fintech Companies Thriving in Kenya’s Booming Financial Landscape in 2023
As of 2023, Kenya’s fintech companies has experienced significant growth, with numerous companies offering a wide range of financial products and services. Fintech companies have revolutionized the financial landscape in Kenya by providing easy, affordable, and accessible financial solutions to millions of people who were previously underserved or unbanked.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top fintech companies in Kenya that are thriving in 2023.
M-Pesa
M-Pesa is perhaps the most famous fintech company in Kenya, and it’s no surprise why. Since its launch in 2007, M-Pesa has grown to become the largest mobile money platform in Africa, with over 50 million users across the continent. M-Pesa’s success lies in its ability to offer financial services to people who were previously underserved or unbanked. Through M-Pesa, users can deposit, withdraw, transfer money, pay bills, and buy goods and services using their mobile phones.
Branch
Branch is a digital lending platform that uses artificial intelligence to provide affordable and accessible loans to Kenyans. The company uses data from customers’ mobile phones and other sources to assess creditworthiness and offer loans of up to Kshs. 70,000. Branch has been successful in reducing the cost of credit and increasing access to credit for Kenyans, especially those who are underserved or unbanked.
Tala
Tala is another digital lending platform that uses data analytics and machine learning algorithms to provide affordable and accessible loans to Kenyans. The company uses customers’ mobile data to assess creditworthiness and offers loans of up to Kshs. 50,000. Tala has been successful in providing credit to Kenyans who were previously deemed too risky by traditional lenders.
Jumo
Jumo is a fintech company that provides financial services to emerging markets, including Kenya. The company uses data analytics to offer credit and savings products to customers. Jumo has been successful in providing financial services to underserved and unbanked Kenyans, and it has expanded its operations to other African countries.
PesaLink
PesaLink is a digital payments platform that allows users to send and receive money using their mobile phones. The platform is owned by the Kenya Bankers Association and has been successful in reducing the cost of digital transactions and increasing financial inclusion.
Pezesha
Pezesha is a digital lending platform that connects lenders with borrowers in Kenya. The platform uses data analytics to assess creditworthiness and offers loans of up to Kshs. 50,000. Pezesha has been successful in providing affordable and accessible credit to Kenyans who were previously underserved or unbanked.
PayGo Energy
PayGo Energy is a clean energy fintech company that provides households in Kenya with access to affordable and clean cooking gas. The company uses a pay-as-you-go model that allows users to pay for gas using their mobile phones. PayGo Energy has been successful in increasing access to clean energy and reducing the cost of cooking gas for Kenyan households.
M-Kopa Solar
M-Kopa Solar is another clean energy fintech company that provides households in Kenya with access to affordable and clean solar energy. The company uses a pay-as-you-go model that allows users to pay for solar energy using their mobile phones. M-Kopa Solar has been successful in increasing access to clean energy and reducing the cost of solar energy for Kenyan households.
In conclusion, Kenya’s fintech industry has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and the above-listed companies have been at the forefront of this growth. These companies have been successful in providing affordable and accessible financial solutions.
AFRICA
Davido Confirms His Marriage to Chioma Rowland in Interview with Kiekie
Superstar David Adeleke, widely known by his stage name Davido, recently confirmed his marriage to his partner, Chioma Rowland, during an interview with skit maker, Kiekie, on Thursday. The singer had taken a break from social media following the tragic death of his son, Ifeanyi, but in this interview, he discussed his marriage, musical hiatus, and upcoming project, ‘Timeless’.
Reflecting on his time away from the spotlight, Davido spoke about the various things that had happened in his life, including his marriage to Chioma. He revealed that he had used his break to rest, reflect, and spend quality time with his family. He said, “I have had a lot to think about, time to rest, reflect on a lot of family time. Time to make music again.”
Davido also shared that before his hiatus, he had an album ready to be released, but he and his team decided to redo the entire album. He mentioned that he had traveled extensively during his break and that getting married was one of the many things that had happened in his life. He expressed his excitement to be back on the road and ready to perform for his fans.
With regards to his new project, ‘Timeless’, Davido stated that it was a collaborative effort between him and his long-time producer, Shizzi. He explained that the project was born out of the creative energy they shared in the studio, and that it was a combination of Afrobeat, R&B, and Pop music.
Davido’s confirmation of his marriage to Chioma has been met with excitement from his fans, who have been eagerly anticipating official news of their union. The couple has been together for several years, and they share a son, Ifeanyi. Although they have kept their relationship relatively private, Davido has often shared glimpses of their love on social media.
In conclusion, Davido’s confirmation of his marriage to Chioma is a significant milestone in his personal life, and it has been received positively by his fans. His return to music with ‘Timeless’ also promises to be an exciting development for music lovers, who have missed his unique sound and energetic performances.
AFRICA
Lagos State Government Arraigns Chrisland School Officials over Death of Pupil
On Thursday, the Lagos State government arraigned Chrisland School, Opebi, its principal, vice principal, and two employees over the death of one of the school’s pupils, 12-year-old Whitney Adeniran. This case has sparked outrage across Nigeria, and people are eagerly waiting to see justice served.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. They include Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Mrs. Belinda Amao, Nwatu Ugochi Victoria, and Chrisland School Limited. According to the charges filed by the state, the defendants allegedly killed Miss Adeniran on February 9, 2023, at about 1 pm, in Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos, by acting in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered her life.
The defendants were arraigned on two count charges bordering on involuntary manslaughter, reckless and negligent acts preferred against them by the state. The state Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, informed the court that the state had filed two count charges against the defendants, urging the court to take their plea. After the charges were read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Subsequently, the Attorney General informed the court that the state has seventeen witnesses and as such will be praying for a date to open trial. The oral application was not opposed by all the defendants’ counsel.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala, who presided over the matter, thereafter fixed May 25, June 1, 8, and 15 for the commencement of trial. While in the dock, the school’s principal, Mrs. Belinda Amao, broke down in tears as the court and counsel tried to agree on a date for the commencement of the trial.
This case has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, with many questioning the safety and wellbeing of children in schools across the country. The death of Whitney Adeniran has highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight in schools to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Lagos State government has taken a decisive step in bringing the defendants to trial and ensuring that justice is served for Whitney Adeniran and her family. It is hoped that this case will serve as a wake-up call for schools across Nigeria to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of their students and take all necessary measures to prevent accidents and tragedies from occurring.
AFRICA
Students and Teachers Injured in Oyo School by Suspected Herdsmen
In a distressing incident, suspected herdsmen allegedly invaded a public secondary school in Oyo State on Thursday morning, causing injuries to students and teachers. According to reports, the Community Grammar School, Alaropo Nla in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state was attacked by over twenty herdsmen who reportedly invaded the school with their cattle, causing harm to several students and teachers.
The eyewitnesses revealed that the students had just completed their morning devotion and were preparing to continue their second-term examination when the herdsmen invaded the school farm with their cows grazing carelessly on crops. Despite the efforts made by the students and teachers to drive away the herdsmen, they were met with fierce resistance, leading to injuries to several students and teachers.
Some of the students and their teachers, including Mr Paul Olabode, were reportedly inflicted with sword and machete cuts, while many others suffered broken legs and hands. The incident has been reported to the police, according to the school principal, Mrs Grace Alamu, who confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation with Vanguard.
“I am on my way to the school. Policemen are coming to the school this morning,” she said.
However, efforts to contact the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Adewale Osifeso, to confirm the invasion, proved abortive, as several calls placed to him were not answered at the time of filing this report.
This attack on a public secondary school is yet another addition to the increasing number of attacks and violence perpetrated by suspected herdsmen in the country. The situation is a worrisome trend that is causing unrest and anxiety among Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, where many communities have suffered similar attacks.
In conclusion, the authorities must take swift and decisive action to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is crucial to ensure that the safety and security of citizens, especially schoolchildren and teachers, are protected from such attacks. The Nigerian government must take proactive measures to address the growing insecurity in the country and provide adequate protection for all its citizens.
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